Howard County saw nearly 6,000 residents file for unemployment insurance and pandemic unemployment assistance over the past week. Since the week of March 7th, nearly 23,000 residents have filed for unemployment with Maryland.  The Howard County Office of Workforce Development is available to help connect residents to employers and jobs available in Howard County through its new portal.

New electric vehicle charging stations at the Howard County Library System’s Savage Branch complex is the second of several planned sites to add electric vehicle charging in partnership with BGE.

Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks announced the following locations and activities will re-open on Thursday, May 7th, following guidance issued by the State of Maryland...

County Executive Calvin Ball visited Howard County’s first farmers’ market of the year at Miller Branch Library. Earlier this week, Howard County Farmers’ Markets released their schedule for the season, including modified operations in response to the current COVID-19 crisis. Many of the markets will be drive-thru or pick-up only.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball re-visited the Columbia drive-thru testing site today, provided an update on testing capacity and thanked workers. The site is now operating with four lanes and has an appointment capacity of nearly 200 per day.

A Howard County construction project to patch and repair the Columbia Gateway Drive on-ramp from Snowden River Parkway in Columbia is expected to begin on or about Tuesday, May 12. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed within two days.

Howard County announced today that the Thomas Isaac Log Cabin has been moved to its permanent location on the historic Barnard Fort House property located above Parking Lot F. During the May 27, 2018 flood in Ellicott City, the cabin was within two feet from the pipe that failed during the flooding. The cabin has been temporarily located in Parking Lot F during the reconstruction of Ellicott Mills Drive.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is visiting the COVID-19 drive-thru testing center at the Columbia VEIP Station on Tuesday, May 5th at 10 a.m. Testing capacity is now at nearly 200 appointments per day. “The Howard County testing site has been able to increase testing capacity weekly since opening in early April, with capacity now at nearly 200 appointments a day,” said Ball. “We’re grateful to have a dedicated team of professionals managing this location as it is clear from all the nation’s health experts that re-opening our economy will rely on robust testing.”

Howard County provided an update on acquired personal protective equipment (PPE) that has been purchased and donated. The County has worked with other jurisdictions to place bulk orders of PPE, accessed the strategic national stockpile, and received many donations, including supplies from Howard Community College and HOWARD County Public School System.

Today, County Executive Calvin Ball helped distribute groceries to provide much needed food items to restaurant workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.  La Palapa Grill and Cantina in Ellicott City partnered with Saval Foodservice to distribute the groceries to more than 350 people.  

Howard County is compiling mental health resources and support for residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home orders. Ball has been keen on raising awareness and providing more mental health services to youth, launching the “It’s OK to Ask” campaign in 2019.  

A Howard County construction project to repair a portion of the curb along eastbound Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia is scheduled to begin on or about Thursday, April 30. 

The Howard County Health Department has designated 35 staff as Contact Tracing Investigators to track the spread of COVID-19 and prevent community spread. The Health Department aims to nearly double that number by utilizing the Medical Reserve Corps, Howard County Public School System staff who have expressed interest, and new hires.  

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced today that a total of $255,470,000 of General Obligation, Metropolitan District and refunding bonds were priced and sold via a negotiated sale. Refunded bonds are bonds that have been refinanced at a lower interest rate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recognized six additional symptoms of COVID-19, which could appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The symptoms are: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. Previously, the CDC listed just three known symptoms: shortness of breath, cough and fever.

Today, Howard County’s Department of Technology and Communication Services (DTCS) announced a collaboration with the Maryland National Guard Joint Cyber Security Task Force to increase the county’s cyber protection during the pandemic State of Emergency. This partnership will bring additional support, augment Howard County’s existing capabilities, and raise cybersecurity readiness during this time of increased vulnerability.

A Howard County project to conduct test pitting to locate existing underground water, sewer, gas and communication utility lines near the intersection of Main Street and Maryland Avenue and a portion of Tiber Alley is expected to begin Monday, April 27.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball responded to the Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery plan announced by Governor Hogan today.  “Today the Governor provided an overview of benchmarks and phases to re-opening and recovery for Maryland,” said Ball. “Howard County will review these standards and they will guide our decisions for re-opening certain aspects of our community, like our parks, recreation centers, and playgrounds." “Today the Governor provided an overview of benchmarks and phases to re-opening and recovery for Maryland,” said Ball. “Howard County will review these standards and they will guide our decisions for re-opening certain aspects of our community, like our parks, recreation centers, and playgrounds..."

Today, Howard County Department of Corrections announced Kimberly Powell, a Correctional Technician, has been recognized by the State of Maryland as Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA) Civilian Employee of the Year. Additionally, Sergeant Perry Young was recognized as the Howard County Correctional Officer of the Year.

Today, Howard County Government announced a coordinated surge plan with Howard County General Hospital (HCGH). The surge plan focuses on three major aspects of operation: adding physical capacity to the hospital; tracking streamlining and purchasing vital equipment; and identifying and deploying staff to the hospital.

As Maryland prepares to conclude another week of coronavirus mitigation measures, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is encouraging residents to donate blood to ensure the blood supply remains sufficient. 

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced a Solar Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) with KDC Solar, Inc. that would cover approximately 30 percent of the total annual electricity use for County government operations, at no capital cost to the County and providing a total anticipated cost benefit of $1.2 million over the 25 year life of the contract.   

Today, Howard County shared updates on how the Department of Community Services (DCRS) has been working with local partners to provide safe locations for those facing homelessness amid the COVID-19 outbreak. DCRS has provided a total of 27 homeless individuals, including children and unaccompanied youth, non-congregate housing in partnership with a local hotel partner in Columbia. 

A Howard County construction project to improve Guilford Road between Vollmerhausen Road/Mary Lane and Carroll Heights Avenue in Jessup is expected to begin on or about Monday, May 4. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late January 2021.

Today, Howard County launched an online tool for residents to find locations and organizations to drop-off product donations including groceries, toiletries, and cleaning products. There are 12 locations currently listed, and each listing includes a contact, hours for drop-off, and a list of needs.